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The Detroit Tigers made their final roster move Friday morning, electing to make Logan Kensing the final reliever in the bullpen. The 33-year old righthander sealed the deal with two innings of scoreless ball against the New York Yankees on Thursday, while his closest competition, Lendy Castillo, gave up a pair of runs in his two innings of work. With that decision, the Tigers' 25-man roster is now set for the start of the season.
Kensing was a surprise this spring, compiling a 2.61 ERA over 10 1/3 innings of work. He, along with lefty Kyle Ryan and righty Buck Farmer, will have an opportunity to make a case for themselves as long-term relief options. With Alex Wilson and Blaine Hardy currently fighting shoulder issues, the Tigers could really use some strong performances from the back of the bullpen.
Wilson has been in a solid throwing progression for over a week now, but will require some rehab appearances with the Toledo Mud Hens before he's ready to return. As of now, Blaine Hardy is still on the shelf with shoulder impingement. His timetable for returning to the mound remains unclear, though Chris McCosky of the Detroit News noted that Hardy and starter Daniel Norris have both resumed their throwing programs.
Logan Kensing made Marlins Opening Day roster in 2008 and 2009. Seven years and eight organizations later, he'll open season with Tigers.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) April 1, 2016
Tigers' Opening Day Roster
| James McCann | C |
| Miguel Cabrera | 1B |
| Ian Kinsler | 2B |
| Nick Castellanos | 3B |
| Jose Iglesias | SS |
| Justin Upton | LF |
| Anthony Gose | CF |
| J.D. Martinez | RF |
| Victor Martinez | DH |
| Jarrod Saltalamacchia | C |
| Andrew Romine | IF |
| Tyler Collins | OF |
| Mike Aviles | UT |
| Justin Verlander | SP |
| Jordan Zimmermann | SP |
| Anibal Sanchez | SP |
| Mike Pelfrey | SP |
| Shane Greene | SP |
| Francisco Rodriguez | RP |
| Mark Lowe | RP |
| Justin Wilson | RP |
| Drew VerHagen | RP |
| Buck Farmer | RP |
| Kyle Ryan | RP |
| Logan Kensing | RP |
News and Injury Notes
- There are just two spring training games left on the calendar before the regular season gets underway. Anibal Sanchez will make his final tune-up start of the spring on Friday from Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland against Matt Moore and the Tampa Bay Rays. On Saturday, the Tigers will travel to Champion Stadium to close out the spring schedule against the Atlanta Braves. Jordan Zimmermann will take the mound against the Braves' Mike Foltynewicz.
- The Tigers will open the 2016 season with a two-game road set against the Marlins beginning on Tuesday, April 5. Justin Verlander will be opposed by lefthander Wei-Yei Chen in the season opener.
- Cameron Maybin is progressing in his return from the fractured wrist he suffered early in spring training. The Tigers' centerfielder took batting practice on Thursday for the first time since the injury. With no setbacks he looks close to beginning a rehab assignment in Toledo. Manager Brad Ausmus said he'd like Maybin to get 40 plate appearances there before rejoining the Tigers.